Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 Headphones Review - Grado Labs SR60 Comparison

	Grado Labs SR60 Comparison
• The SR60s aren't as good as the ATH-W5000s: they have poorer audio qualty and a worse (itchier) fit. • On the other hand, the SR60s cost $60.
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Design

The Grado SR60s have a definite nostalgia to their design, and since the 80s are currently back in style, feel free to enjoy their aesthetic once again, either legitimately or ironically. The SR60s do not look high end at all, however.

The ATH-W5000s also feature a much sturdier design. They are made of wood from the (former) mightiest tree in all the land, while the SR60s seem to be made from the same plastic as pastel Easter eggs.

Aesthetics
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

Sound Quality

Both headphones have some issues with frequency response. Although the SR60s manage to stay within our limits for the most part, they have a dip towards the high end as well. Although neither are great, the SR60s gain the advantage here.

Frequency Response
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

If you've read any other part of this review, you're well aware that the ATH-W5000s lose a bit of audio quality due to their poor fit (in our estimates at least). The SR60s laugh at this failing and do the same thing, but magnified significantly. Part of the reason that many headphones have abandoned the foam ear pads is because they create a horrible seal with the user's head. In fact, we'd go so far as to say it's the least commercially feasible padding that's currenty available, at least to our knowledge. Granted, the sheer number of qualifiers in the previous sentence do a bit to undermine its impact, but our point stands regardless.

Distortion
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

Again, while neither headphone had stellar performance here, the SR60s have a slight edge by not being quite as bad.

Tracking
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

Isolation

Again, neither set of cans is good at isolating. The SR60s block out about as much sound as a damp sponge that's only gently grazing the outside of your ear.

Isolation
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

Comfort

The ATH-W5000s win here. Even though they feel big, they aren't scratchy like the SR60s pads.

Wear
ATH-W5000	Grado Labs SR60

Verdict

The ATH-W5000s are the better set of headphones by far. While the SR60s are generally looked upon favorably by audiophiles, they simply can't compete in any area except for price. With a $900 discrepency between the two, it's hard to rag on them for being inferior.